- February new car registrations fell 2,410 units to 73,586 units
- Year to date registrations remained up 2.5 per cent to 239,189 units
- Diesel demand fell slightly to 28,156 units, but still held a 38.3 per cent market share
- Supermini demand remains strong, up 7,783 units or 11.5 per cent in the year-to-date
‘February is traditionally a slow month as new car buyers and the motor industry prepare for the surge that accompanies the March plate change. We expect to see registrations of new cars next month total around 425,000 units, worth some £6 billion,’ said SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan.
‘Since the twice-yearly plate change system came into effect in 1999, the new car market has experienced its highest demand in March. Despite continuing pressures on the pocket, having shaken off the financial hangovers of Christmas and New Year celebrations, many motorists should be keen to take advantage of competitive forecourt deals, such as zero per cent finance and free insurance. This should ensure another registration peak in March.’
